Automatic phonograph record playing mechanism



April], 1953 B. R. CARSON AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH RECORD PLAYING MECHANISM Filed March 51, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR flay/4mm {Case/v;

AiTORNEY 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Bevan/1v 4? QEJ'Q/Y .ATTORNEY B. R. CARSON AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH RECORD PLAYING MECHANISM April 7, 1953 Fild March 31, 1949 April 7, 1953 B. R. CARSON 2,634,135

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH RECORD PLAYING MECHANISM I Filed March 31, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Apnl 7, 1953 B. R. CARSON v AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH RECORD PLAYING MECHANISM Filed March 51, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 lllllllllli il Hllllllllllll INVENTOR .BE/YJAN/N R CAeso/v ATTORNEY April 7, 1953 B. R. CARSON AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH RECORD PLAYING MECHANISM April 7, 1953 B. R. CARSON AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH RECORD PLAYING MECHANISM 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 31, 1949 INVENTOR Bax/Arm Owso/Y ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 7,

AUTOMATIC PHONDGRAPH RECORD PLAYING MECHANISM Benjamin B. Carson, Haddonfield, N. J assignor to Radio Corporation of America, a corporation of Delaware Application March 31', 1949, Serial No. 84,502

14 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic phonograph record playing mechanisms of the type known generally as automatic record changers. Such record. changers, as is well known, include motor driven record turntable means, tone arm means provided with a transducer or pick-up. device having an operating stylus for engaging a record groove, and record handling means. operatively associated and coordinated to reproduce recordingslon fiat disc records in predetermined sequenceiautomatically.

Heretofore such mechanisms have been de signed to operate with relatively large and thick records of the flatdisc type in a variety of sizes or diameters, generally of ten or twelve inches, having a playing or record surface adapted for recordings of the order of from three to five or six minutes duration, with a standard speed of approximately 78 revolutions per minute. In fact, when the phonograph and record industries had their commercial beginnings almost a half century ago, the size of the records and the rotational speed of the turntable were established on a basis which was largely a matter of experimental compromise based on the state of the These so-called standards of art at thattime. record size at 10'and 12 inches in diameter, and turntable speed at 78 revolutions per minute, have remained unaltered for almost fifty years.

While there have been some noteworthy refinements of record'making and playing techniques, these were accomplished within the pre-establishedlim'itations of record size, groove dimensions, and turntable speed. Record changing mechanisms, in particular, have beenv handicapped by the requirement that they accommodate both 10-inch and 12-inch records. Further, records have been costly, fragile, subject to wear, of limited quality, and inconvenient to handle and to store. The result of this situation has been that a'truly satisfactory performance seemed to beunattainable within the limitations of the sys- ,1

tem as established. It has become evident that an entirely new approach must be made, namely,

, one specifically designed to eliminate these problems and limitations.

Experience has shown that any major change in..an existing, .long established system must do more than solve problems related to theaccomplishment ofjust satisfactory performance. It mightbe statedthat such achange can only be justified if its accomplishments reasonably ap-,

reqqrjd nlay pamech nism f thepr sentinvena tion is directed, and it is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved and coordinated system in the art of record handling and reproduction through which may be effected a funda mental improvement in the reproduction of recorded music. Factors ofcost and convenience to the user, extended playing time, record life,

ing material thereon, and playing such records of difiering diameters intermixed, is one which heretofore has never been met successfully or The mechanisms required have satisfactorily. not only been costly and bulky as well as complicated in operation and for servicing, but also the recordings in themselves have been subject to breakage and difiiculties in storage and handling and have involved the use of low cost materials in order to maintain a satisfactory price level,

or have been of relatively high cost when more satisfactory materials were used because of the 1 mass of material required.

It is, therefore, a further and important object,

of this invention, to provide an improved automatic phonograph record playing mechanism which effectively overcomes substantially all of the major difficulties and disadvantages inherent in previous devices of that character, and which v may utilize thin, flat disc records of relatively small diameter, and operate at an optimum slow speed without sacrificing playing time or quality in the reproduction from or recording on such records.

It is also an object of this invention, to pro:

vide an improved automatic phonograph record playing mechanism of the drop type wherein a series of records in a stack are dropped successively onto a playing turntable which operates with a minimum record changing time, substantially silently, in connection with disc records having an enlarged central spindle hole, whereby damage to the records is substantially prevented and convenience of operation enhanced.

It is an object of this invention, furthermore,

to provide an improved automatic record changer of the character referred to, whereby all records may have an optimum and the same relatively small diameter and each may beprovided with a .1

lead-in groove, thereby eliminating the necessity for mechanical lead-in means heretofore forming part of known record changing mechanisms, and

which further operates in response to tripping action at one common diameter without power or force on the stylus.

A further and important object of this invention, is also to provide an improved record changer mechanism that is adapted to operate with and handle flat disc phonograph records of reduced size adapted for lower load, easier handling, and less storage space, and of improved record materials which normally are considered too expensive for the large conventional records.

In order to accomplish this object, the speedoi the record is materially reduced, while at the same time providing the same or longer playing time with comparable record quality, or better than has heretofore been known with standard flat disc records of the usual ten and twelve inch diameter type. With such records the record changer operation is confined wholly to the inner or central spindle opening which is increased in diameter to permit record changer operation and control within the spindle proper.

Records of the type contemplated for use with the. record changer mechanism of the present invention may have a counterbored surface surrounding aninner central, large-diameter spindleopening providing a central shoulder or ridge inspaced relation tothe faces or a hub portion of v the record surrounding the opening. With this arrangement the record, having a counterbored surface on each side of the central opening, provides for positive record changer'operation. regardless of record thickness variations.

it is. also an object of the invention, to provide an automatic record changer mechanism for phonograph records and the like which is of relatively small size, such that the overall size of record-changer radio-phonograph combinations may be reduced at least to approximately onequarter of the size of such present known combinations, without sacrificing the quality or rendition time of the reproduction, and at a greatlyreduced cost.

One of the many disadvantages of known automatic record changer mechanisms of the recorddroptype, lies in the fact that extensive reduction-geared cycling means is considered necessary to do the work of record changing with any degree of smoothness, quietness, and with a desired speed. It is also desirable that the entire cycling or record changing cycle be performed ina'minimum time. This accomplished by the mechanism of the present invention substantially within the time of one revolution of the turntable, and with substantially light loading of the driving motor means. With a relatively slow speed record as provided, the cycling time is relatively short and approaches a changing speed which may be considered substantially instantaneous.

It is also, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an improved record changer mechanism' of the record-drop type which eliminates complicated and expensive geared cycling means, and which may have a cycling operation effectively within one revolution of the turntable. Sufdcient time is afforded for all operations, even with a slower speed turntable of the order of 45 R. P. M., because of the greatly reduced work required in handling the relatively light and reduced record load, and this is reflected in a much lower cost for the entire mechanism.

It is a related object of the invention, furthermore, to provide an improved and simplified automatic record changing mechanism which combines an effective and sensitive trip means with the record changing means, whereby the tone arm and stylus are in no way loaded while the changing cycle is completed with one revolution of a continuously revolving turntable, and which permits the turntable to revolve with the records and the change togbe effected. Without interfering with, stopping or reducing thespeed of the turntable rotation.

Other and important objects of the invention will appear hereinafter. However, in general it should be understood that it is an object of the invention to provide a coordinated record changer mechanism and record handling arrangement together with a record, whereby it is possible to produce a phonograph playing means or instrument of high performance with minimum cost. This has required coordination with the record requirements of both the record handling arrangement and the recordhandling mechanism involving determiningafundamental speed of rotation which affords maximum.- tone quality in reproduction with a minimum cost in, both the record means and therecord changing means.

For this purpose a speed of the order of- 45- R. P. M. has been determined, as Well as a small: convenient record which will carry arecording having a longer playing time than. has -hereto-.

fore been practicable. If a relatively, higher speed than 45 R. P. M. is used, it is fOllIldcthB-fi;

the small convenient record will notacarry enough recording to provide-the desired playing;

time, and if a record of this size rotates-at a relatively slower speed, part of-ythe recording,

such as music, inevitably becomes distorted.

It is, therefore, an object of thisv invention, to

provide an improved record changing .mecha.

nism which operates at an optimum speed of .ro-

tation of the turntable of the order of- 45 R. P. M. and which permits complete cycling or change fromone record to the next within one revolution.

of the turntable means, whereby the time duration between records is at a minimum, and which at the same time permits full high qualityreproe duction of the recording Without distortion.

Further considering the combination of relatively low speed without sacrificing playing time or tone quality, and low cost for both record and record playing mechanism, it may be pointed out that other and important objects of their:- vention are as follows:

1. To provide an automatic record changer mechanism adapted for use with small diameter records of the disc type having a reduced turntable speed, adapted for a groove velocity and a reproducing stylus radius such that any inter modulation distortion in the reproductionis held 1 below limits found to be satisfactory for a high degree of fidelity of reproduction.

2. To provide an automatic record changer. mechanism which is operable with sufficient power to initiate and complete a record chang-.

wholly contained within the center post. For

simplifying the mechanism and reducing the cost thereof, as well as for improving the cycling time,

a cam is formed integral with the turntable and i used as the cycling control element, while two spindle, thereby providing operational control of the records wholly from the center of the record stack; Furthermore, the rests are so designed as to retract when played records are removed from the turntable, wholly automatically without man-- ual assistance other than to lift the stack from V the turntable and off the enlarged central spindle.

4-. To provide an improved low-cost automatic phonograph record playing mechanism of the class described, for relatively small diameter records, which is acomplete unitary record changer mechanism adapted to be suspended from a single supporting plate or base, and which performs all functions forcontrolling and playing records with a minimum movement of parts and a high degree of operating efiiciency, and with a record changing or cycling speed of operation which is substantially instantaneous.

5. To provide a novel trip mechanism for an automatic record changer which initiates the rec- 0rd changing cycle with a minimum amount of pressure required at the stylus point of the reproducing transducer means and which is operable for tripping and resetting with a common actuating means or lever.

'As briefly referred'to hereinbefore, in carrying the invention into effect, aplanetary system of gearing having a'main or sun gear engaging a pair of oppositely disposed planet or pinion gears is provided in a central vertical cylindrical housingforming part of the turntable and used as a spindle therefor- The planetary system of gearing actuates record supporting and selecting elementsfrom asingle main shaft emanating from the center post. I

Astarfwheel secured to the main shaft of the record changing mechanism provides simple and effective means in conjunction with a main lever foroperating the planetary system and timing the operation of the record support and record playing elements in proper relation at predetermined operating intervals duringa record changing cycle. In connection with this mechanism,

a novel and simplified arrangement for elevating and operating the tone arm during aportion of the record changing cycle is likewise provided and coordinated with. the control of the record stack as above mentioned.

In operation, the center shaft and its main gear are held immobile for a sufficiently longtime duration to cause the driven planetary pinions,

which revolve about themain gear independently,

the disadvantages thereof, it will be seen that such f devices are required to operate with records (1) uniformin thickness over their entire area, (2)

having a small center hole, and (3) of 'at least two different diameters.

All record changers require a selecting mechanism to separate individual records from. a stack. This .is particularly true offithe; record-.droptype mechanisms which carry records on a: stack above the turntable and selectively permit them to drop:

onto the turntable in stacked relation, the top record being played in each case. -With records of uniform thickness, known practical designs of selecting mechanism may cause some damage to the edge, body or center hole area of. the record.

With a small center hole and the heavy" records commonly used, high stress occurs and Trecord.

: cult.

The necessityof accommodating two diameters brings about record changer complexity andcustomer inconvenience. The varying magnitude of the diameters makes the record changing mechanism big. Cabinets to accommodate such record changers and also 'to provide storage become large and therefore expensive. The relatively high rotational speed of the turntable-necessitates the use of speed reducing mechanism to give the record changer time to perform its several functions reliably.

The solution of these problems in accordance with the invention includes a consideration of the ideal minimum space requirements, minimum costs, maximum performance, and maximum convenience ofcustomer operation, involves a major change from existing practice, 'and results in "an improved and simplified record changer mechanism which satisfies the following conditions:

l. A large center spindle housing the record releasing and separating means. It is found that j a spindle of the order of one and one-half inches in diameter may house an economical and efficient selecting mechanism, provide adequate rec-. 0rd stability on the spindle without externalsupport, and make for easy loadingof records on the spindle.

2. Provision of a depressed area around the center hole of the record on either side and resulting inner flange or shoulder for the entry of selector plates which do not otherwise touch the crease in the inertia v 0f the tone arm. The decreased inertia of the tone arm permits a reduction. in cycle time. Then by choice of a low rotational speed, it is possible to accomplish the complete change cycle in one revolution or less of the turntable. The cycling cam may thus be made in-.

tegral with the turntable, or carried thereby, thereby eliminating any speed reducing means.

It was found by extensive experiment and design data that a rotational speed of R. P. M. is con- J sistent with meeting these design requirements.

The foregoing considerations have provided a 1 record changer mechanism which is of relatively minimum cost, presently weighing less than six pounds complete with housing, having an overall.-

height of the orderof six inches, anoverall width of the order of nine inches, andanoverall-depth of the order of seven inches. A

4. A small diameter record, rotating at a slow speed. The small diameter results ina reduction ,1 in size of the record changer and permits a de- 1 Therecord'itself, coordinated for playing on Boys, A. D. Burt and H. I. Reiskind, for Disk" Phonograph Record, Serial No. 85,528, filed March 31, 1949,and (2) H. I. Reiskind, B. R. Carson and G. W. Longacre, for Light-Weight Phonograph Record, SerialNo. 80,922, filed March'11,,1949,

now abandoned. v

The record has substantially a distortion-free recording area surrounding a. central hub provided with ajlarge spindle opening and inner flange, and is adapted to play on a miniature turntablemuchless than seven inches in diameter, and uses a minimumof materials, including a thinouter web, for carr ing the recording, whereby. the material may be of the highest quality without excessive cost.

,Yarious, considerations in the selection of the recording level and reproducing stylus size have resulted in a present preferred terminal linear speed of recording of the order of 11.5 inches per second, to provide a minimum and imperceptible intermodulation distortion in the innermost groove. Furthermore, as a result of an analysis of the requirements for an optimum playing time, it has been determined that a play'ingtime of approximately five minutes, or substantially the same asthat of a standard 12-inch 78 R. P. M. record,- finay represent the present optimum. With this playing time and linear speed, approximately 275 grooves per, inch provide a relatively small diameter record of less than seven inches andone which satisfactorily carries all types of recording, with only one size of diameter.

The mechanism of the present invention is adapted to operate in conjunction with this type of record, and provides for reproducing the recorded program from an. outer quality zone of reproduction which is substantially free of intermodulation distortion at the selected slow speed of 45 R. P. M. Furthermore, for facilitating the handling of light-weight, small, thin, hubbed records, a central post, drop type of record changer mechanism is provided in accordance with the invention.

The novel features that are considered to be characteristic of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, both as to its organization and method of operation, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof, will be further understood from the following detailed description of a present preferred embodiment thereof, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of an automatic record changer or automatic phonograph record playing mechanism embodying the invention, and showing a record supporting center post disposed in relation to a tone arm, and a stack of small diameter records disposed in an operating position thereon;

Figure 2 is a front view of the automatic record changer of Figure 1, with a portion of the record changer housing and center post partially broken away to show certain details of the operating mechanism, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 is a view in elevation, and partly in cross-section, taken substantially along lines 33 of Figure 1, showing the arrangement of certain portions of the interior operating mechanism of the record changer, also in accordance with the invention;

Figure 4 isa cross-sectional view of a small diameter, slow speed phonograph record of the type especially adaptedfor use with the phonograph record playing mechanism of the present invention and as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3;

Figures 5 and 6 are similar plan views, partly in cross-section, of the center post of the mechanism of Figures 1, 2 and 3, taken substantially along lines 5-5 of Figure 3, to further illustrate the operational features of the invention and to show the relative positions of record supporting and separating elements of the present embodiment, in a normal inactive playing position and in a changing position respectively;

Figure 7 is a view in elevation, and partly in section, of the upper portion of the center post, also showing record supporting and separating elements positioned as shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along lines I 8 -8 of Figure 7 showing a planetary gearing arrangement for operating record supporting and separating elements of the mechanism;

Figure 9 is a plan view, partly in cross-section, of the record changer of Figures 1, 2 and 3, taken substantially along lines 99 of Figure 2, showing the arrangement of the elements of the mechanism in normal position for the record playing operation;

Figures 10 and 11 are similar plan views taken substantially along the same plane as Figure 9, "showing portions of the mechanism of Figure 9 at the start of a changing cycle and during the cycle with the tone'arm slightly raised;

Figure 11A is a plan view, on a reduced scale, of a detail modification of mechanism shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11;

Figure 12 is a further plan view taken substantially along the same plane as in Figure 9, similar to Figures 10 and 11, showing the same portions of the mechanism of Figure 9, with the tone arm moving toward its proper landing position, and with the record changing cycle about one-half completed;

Figure 13 is an enlarged plan view of a main trip lever forming part of the mechanism embodying the invention and shown in the preceding figures;

Figures 14 and 15 are plan and side views,

respectively, of a further trip control element of the mechanism above referred to, showing further details thereof; and

Figures 16 and 1'7 are plan and elevation views, respectively, of another element of the above mechanism for controlling the tone arm landing, Figure 17 being taken on the line ll-Il of Fig-- ure 16.

In accordance with the present invention an automatic phonograph record playing mechational records are dropped successively on the 1 turntable and played.

The lowermost record of the stack on the center post is automatically released by the record supports and slides down the center post to the turntable or the top of the previous record deposited thereon, so the stack on the spindle is transferred to a stack on the turntable. remainder of the stack of records above the lowermost record is temporarily supported by separator elements which are coordinated in timed rela- I The e housing 4|.

spindle 41 which engages a rubber tire 48 on 49 for driving same.

'tion with saidrecord supports. During the record changing cycle, the tone arm is automatically controlled until ultimately it is moved so that the pick-up head carried by the tone arm is in its landing position on the next record to be played.

. lng'of each record.

' Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 9, there is shown an automatic record changer 40 having a casing or housing 4| and a tone arm 42 pivotally mounted above the casing. A motor board 43 or assembly base is-suspended in the housing M by suitable mounting screws 44 and spacers 45 secured to the upper portion or top wall of the An electric motor 46 has a motor the lower portion of dual diameter idler wheel The dual diameter idler wheel 49 is pivotally mounted on an idler lever 56 'on an idler wheel bearing stud and the idler lever 50 'is pivoted to the motor boardby pivot 64. The upper portion of the dualdiameter idler wheel 49 has a rubber tire 6| mounted thereon which engages the inner peripheral edge 52 of {the turntable 53, said tire 6| being held in engagement with the peripheral edge 52 of the ;turntable by an idler lever tension spring 54 which connects the idler lever 56 to the motor board 43 as shown in Figure 9. The electric mo- I, tor 46 is resiliently secured to the motor board 43 by suitable suspension means indicated at 66.

. A control knob 55 for power and Volume control, for example, is mounted on the housing 4! and extends to the exterior thereof in connection with a volume control potentiometer device 2|, and a power switch 62 which may be manipulated for turning the electric motor on The turntable 53 is unitary with the center post 56, which is of comparatively large diameter in the order of about 1 /2 inches. A center post cap 82 is secured to the upper portion of the center post 56 by elongated screws 66 (Figures said cap 82. Record supporting shelves 5'! and record separator blades or knives 58 are supported within the center post 56 to be operated at appropriate times, as'will hereinafter appear,

for supporting and releasing of therecords. A

start or reject push button, 59 is shown on the front of the phonograph housing in Figure 2 and is provided for initiating a new record changing cycle, if this is desired before the record changing cycle is' automatically initiated by the movement of the tone arm at the completion of the: playing'of a record.

A suitable phonograph record, as hereinbefore referred to, for use with the record changer mechanism is shown in Figure 4 in cross-section and on enlarged scale. The record is provided, as indicated, with a flanged or double-recessed inner opening 26 adapted to fit on the center post 56 with a slide fit, a thicker hub portion 21- surrounding the opening, and a thin outer peripheral" portion 63 extending from the hub portion to provlderecording surfaces 28 on either side. The-use of these features or the record, which 'is-sll ghtly less than seven inches in diameteii wlll hereinafter be described in connection with the operation of the complementary record changer mechanism. V

Referring more particularly to Figures 2, 3 and 9, a cycling cam 61 provided on the under side of the turntable is shown unitary with the turntable 53 and the center post 56. The turntable is positioned on the automatic record changer phonograph and extends through and partially lies in an opening 68 of the phonograph housing 4|. A bushing 69 is secured to the motor board 43 and extends above the upper levelof the housing 4|, and is shown in cross-section above the cam 61 and in elevation below the cam 61 (Figure 2). A vertical central shaft 10 supported within the center post 56 has a planetary gear H secured on the upper end thereof by suitable means, such as'a screw 12. The shaft 16 extends downwardly through the center post 56 and through the bushing 69, thence through a spacer bushing 16a, and a star wheel 13. The star wheel which" is provided with'a hub or integral bushing 14, is secured by means of set screws 15 to the lower end of the gear shaft 10. It will further be seen that the planet gear H is held against a bushing or sleeve 16 which fits about the gear shaft 16. The lower end of sleeve 16 engages the top face of the star wheel 13 and the hub l4, which are secured to the lower end of the gear shaft 10', thereby holding the turntable firmly in rotatable position in relation to the motor board 43.

The rubber tire 6| on the upper portion of the idler wheel 49 engages the inner peripheral surface 52 (Figure 2) of the turntable 53. A thrust bearing 1'! permits' the 'turntable-center post unit 53-56 to rotate on the upper end of-the bushing 69. as may be clearly seen in Figure 2.

When energized by operation of the control knob 55 to turn "on the operating current, the electric motor 46 drives the freely rotatable turntable-center post unit 53--56. In normal playing operation, the rotation of the turntable also permits the free rotation of the star wheel 13 and its gear shaft 16, with thejmain gear on the opposing end thereof. Therefore, rotation ofthe turntable also permits the main'gear H to rotate simultaneously therewith so that there is no movement normally between the'inain gear and any of the components within the center post 56. During normal playing of the phonograph, the star wheel 13 and its associated gear shaft 16 rotate with the turntable unless the star wheel is prevented from rotation as is the case during the record changing operation hereinafter described.

During normal playing of the phonograph, it is necessary that the star wheel rotate with the turntable since any relative motion between the star wheel 13 and the turntable-center post 53-56 would cause movement of the parts within the center post, such as movement of'the record supporting shelves 51.

The construction and assembly of the elements within the center post will now be described primarily in relation to Figures 2, 3, and Etc 8 inclusive. It will be noted that throughout the drawing figures like reference characters are used to designate the same or'like parts. I

A pair of planetary pinions 18 each have a hub portion 79 on the lower side thereof which in turn are each provided with a central bearing socket 80 coaxial with the pinion. A stud '8l by force fit of a knurled portion 83 in thejbody at diametrically opposite sides of the shaft 16.

Y nee les iIihe .-planetary;pinions 18 are thereby permitted to rotate freely on the studs .8! while .the teeth of the pinions are :in engagement with the teeth 1:.0f the planet gear -l'-.i :on the shazit M. 'An ec- -icentric cam portion :84,:-cylindrica1 in shape, is formed on the .upper portion of each of .the

pi-111011518, being thereby axially eccentric with the SllIldS 8%. The pair of record supporting shelves 5-! have rectangular or square openings :85 iormed therein :so that the cam portion to jimay Tbe inserted :therethrough ,ior eccentric :movement therein.

.Thezupperrportions of the cams .34 have square shoulders-:86 formed thereon -to receive and conineot with zseparator blades or :knives 5.8. Each A 11f the separator knives .has a square shaped :onening :therein -;comp1emental to the square shoulders :36 {for properlypositioning the sepameters .on :the :cam portions to. record sup- :portin rshelves 511 each :have :a fiat lowerpor- :tion which :rides on a :seat 81 formed :in the rcentenpost 5.6, while a @shoulder vt8 formed ,on the upper :portion of teach or :the record supportdug shelves :slidably en a ges the lower face or surface of an adjacent separator blade or knife :58 when the planetary pinions are rotated. The motion of'each record supporting shelf 5:? is .-r.eciprocatory in that the record supports both simultaneously :move inwardly, and then move outwardly, while the record separator blades .58 have a rotarymotion.

.:A compression spring 89 .is compressed :into recesses 9B in the record supporting shelves :55. .Ifhe Espring "therefore always urges or biases the :record supports outwardly, awaytrom each other, rcso'that a=space9l normallyexists in the' square sshaped openings 85 between .-the cam portions :84 and .each record supporting eshelf 5.1 on the :side of the 10am portion opposite the spring 89. -1I2he .cam portions 184 normally forcibly :engage the :inner surface :nearest the spring $9 of the square shaped -.openings 85.

{The spaces '55 531153150 ;.provid.ed so that the record supporting shelves a5 may, (at any time, hezrepressed inwardly against the action of pom- -pression :spring 289. This provides :for the ready removal of the .record manually from the turntable by :sliding {them upwardly alon the center post,- -since the contact of ,a :record against the :record :supnort included lower cam-shaped suria'cesicansesnornpression of :the spring 8.3.. .This :permits removal .of the record support as an obstruction to the upward passage .of records along the .center post. a

The cap 82 has a .leaf spring 2 (Figure .8) ssecured .thereon by .a screw .93. The spring 92 engages the upper portion \of the square .shoul- :ders 86 which may .be ,peened at 3!! (Figure .8) :to lock z-the separator knives 58 on the .cam por- .tion 84. When .the .cap .82 :is secured into posiition on the center post 56 by screws 63 (-Fig-- ure 5), the planetary pinions are then in engage- :ment with lthe Fmain gear H. ,Rotation .of the ;-main gear 1! causes rotation .of the pinions 18. ,The two eccentric eam portions :84 rotate in the openings -85 of the record supporting shelves 5:1, and under :influence of the spring .89 cause a reciprocatory motion of the record supporting shelves 5'! and the record separator knives 5S whenthe gear H is rotated.

When :the phonograph is :in normal playing ;position, and the main gear H is stationary in relation to the center post .56, the record sup- ;porting shelves 5'! are in their extended ,position as shown;Figures.-2 and.5. ,At the propertime :duringrthe record changing zcycle, the star wheel vl3 is prevented from rotating while the turntable-reenter post 53--56 continues to -1-otate, therefore providing relative .motion {between the stationary planet ;.gea1' ll, which is zconnected to the star wheel shaft 10, and the -moving planetary pinions .18.

.As the pinions continue to rotate, the :record supporting shelves 5.1 are withdrawn-or-,retracted to the position shown in Figures 6 and -'7, :and the record separator loladeslor knives arerotated into the recesses or spaces 33 between the :inner peripheral flanged .-edges of adjacent records 550 that :a portion thereof will extend :beyond the :centerpostto su port the. stack 1.0.1. records --ahove the lowermost record .sof the stack.

Normally, the records are meld by :the :record supporting shelves .As the-planet gear SH rotates, the record separator blades :have their .inclinedor-leading edges .94 slide orrotate into the space 33 between adjacent records provided .at the flanged ,innersedges of the center opening. .in the various records.

.As the record supporting :shelves' 5.? are :re- .tracted during the record changing operation, the lowermost record is permitted -to slide down .the center post :56 .until :it engages the turntable .per se or the .records -.on the turntable. The

. remainder of the unplayedrecordson .the stack are then supported .by the record separating blades F58 as shown .in Figure Tl. Continued rotation .of the planetary pinions 18 .about the planet .gear H causes the .record supporting shelves tolbe urged outwardly to the record supporting position .as shown in lFigureszand 5 so that as the single revolution of the .main gear 1 l ,is..comple ted, the record .-separat.or blades .58 are withdrawn .to their .normal inactive position as shown .in Figure 5 and the remainder .of the stack \of records :moves downwardly a short distance .to the record supporting shelves .5].

From the foregoing, it will be seen that during the normal record changing operation, the star wheel l3is held stationary while .theturntablefint r .post 53-ed6 continues (to .rotate, thereby providingmeansforoperatingitherecord changer .mechanism per, se at the flPPrQDriat-e itimeidur ing the record changing cycle. The means for .restraining themovement or thestar wheel T3 at the proper time will he explained in .detail in relation to the operation of .a .main or director lever hereinafter.

Jihe tone arm. assembly will ..be described with particular reference to Figures 3 and .9. .The :tone .arm 42 carries .a sound-reproducing .or phono raph pickup device .95 at the. iree .end thereof. The pick-up .device is provided with a suitable stylus 198 vtor engaging the sound groove of the record. The-opposite end -.of-.thetone arm v.is provided with a horizontal pivot pin 91 which pivotally .connects .the .tone .arm to .a vertically mounted tone arm post flhrepresentingany suit- .able arrangement permitting of raising and lowering :the tone arm.

1T0 permit lateral movement of the tone arm about the axis of .the vertically mounted post .98,a tonearm bushing 99 is secured to the motor board 43and extends'through an opening in .the ,housing 4| ,-so1that-the tonearm maybe mounted externally of said housing. .The tone arm post .98 has a shoulder which rests on the upper ,portion of the tone arm bushing 99. The post 98 extends through the-bushing 9-9 .below'the motor board 43 and passes through a spacer I00 which spaces a trip-lever I01 from the motorrboardfi,

"(not shown) if desired, maybe mounted in the rear end of the tone arm adjacent tothe pivot pin (Figure 3) at the rear thereof, in any convenient manner. A spring'l02 secures the rear 3 end of the tone arm to a lug I03, the purpose of the spring being to assist the counterweight in properly balancing the tone arm to obtain'the desired stylus pressure. I

A tone arm elevating pin I04 is rigidly secured to the tone arm as shown in Figure 3, while the free end of said pin I04 is adapted to be engaged I by the tone arm elevating lever I05 to raise or lower the tone arm as said elevating lever pivots about the lever pivot stud I06. The stud I06 is secured to the motor board 43. The tone arm elevating lever is movable in response to the pin 38 carried by a director or main lever I5I, which main lever operates during the record changing cycle as will hereinafter appear. 7

' The trip lever IOI, on an enlarged scale in Figure 13, is shown secured to the tone arm post '98 inFigure 3. The trip lever has a bifurcated U-shaped portion I01 adapted to receivethe tone arm'post 98 through an aperture H08. A nut and screw I09 engage opposing sides of the bifurcated U-shaped portion I01 and compress said sides so that they grip the tone arm post 98 in theaperture I08. The trip lever-is made in this manner to provide a convenient clamping means for securing the trip'leve'r 'IOI to the tone arm 'post 98, and also for holding the trip lever positioned as shown in Figure 3.

n The lower portion of the trip arm has a trip lever pawl IIO pivotally mounted by a pivot pin III to the trip lever I 0|. A tension spring H2 is connected between a pair of lugs H3 and H4. Lug II 4 is secured to the portion of the trip lever IOI which is rigidly connected to the tone arm post 98.- Lug II 3 is formed as part of the trip lever pawl I I0 to provide a resilient pressure .member for engaging the trip pawl lug I31 of the trip,pawl-l34.' A tone-arm control pin or stud .II5 is secured to the trip lever IIlI to provide a rigid connection withtone arm post 93. The control pin or stud I I5 extends upwardly through an L-shaped opening H6 in the motor board 43. The tone arm landing or return lever II? (Figure 16) which is pivotally connected to the lower side of the motor board is one of the elements which engages the trip lever tone arm controlpin orstud I I5'for restoring the tone arm to its landing position. The main levertonearm control end or finger H3 (Figure 9) is a portion of the main lever I5I pivotally mounted above the motor board for restoring the tone arm to its outer position. The tone arm control end or finger I I8 engages the control pin II5 for resetting the tone arm by urging it counterclockspring I22 connects said lug I2I' to the pin I23 (Figure 3) which latter pin is secured to the motor board. The spring I22 urges the landing lever I I? in a counterclockwise direction. A landing lever positioning pin I24 extends upwardly from the landing lever III through an opening I25 (Figure 9) in the motor board and engages a landing lever adjustment means I26.

This adjustment means is a cam secured to a stud having a slot therein for rotation of the cam, with said stud being pivotally connected to the upper surface of the motor board 43 so that the cam may engage the landing lever positioning pin I24, for moving the landing lever II! in one direction or the other in response to the movement of the cam. This adjustment means permits the landing lever to be rotated so that the control stud I I5 carried by the trip lever IOI may engage the landing lever to determine the exact position for release of the tone arm by the landing lever pawl I2I'which is pivotally connected to the landing lever I IT by the stud I28.

A spring I29 connects lug I30 connected to the landing lever pawl I21, with the lug I3I which urges said pawl I21 in a clockwise direction about the stud I28. A landin lever pawl lug I32 extending upwardly from the pawl I21 protrudes through the L-shaped opening H6 in the motor board and is engageable by the'main lever pawl release I 33 so that when the main lever I 5] is completely released by release of the cam pin I52 from the cycling cam 61, the pawl release I33 will engage the pawl lug I32 to urge the landing lever pawl I2'I out of the path of the tone arm control stud I I5 on the trip lever, so that the tone arm may move inwardly in response to the stylus 9B of the pick-up device 95 following the sound groove of the record. The main lever pawl release I33 may be seen engaging the landing lever pawl lug I32 in Figure 9, while the control stud H5 is free to move, and therefore permits movement of said tone arm in a normally free manner.

The trip pawl I34 is shown in detail in Figures 14 and 15. The trip pawl I34 is mounted on the upper surface of the motor board 43 by a stud I35 which extends through a bushing I36. A trip pawl lug I31 extends downwardly through an opening I38 so that said lug I31 may be engaged by the free end I39 of the trip lever pawl H0 in response to the movement of the tone arm trip lever IOI as the tone arm moves inwardly following the sound groove of the record. The free end I39 of the trip lever pawl I I0 engages the trip pawl lug I3! as the stylu of the pick-up device reaches a common diameter groove in the record, to urge the trip pawl lug I31 in a counterclockwise direction. A start reject bar or rod I40 is slidably mounted on the upper surface ofthe motor board by means of studs MI and I42 operating in conunction with guide slots I43, A spring I44 is connected from a stud I4I to a lug I45 on the start-reject bar I40 to normally urge the bar against the operating push button 59. The start-reject bar actuates the trip pawl I34 in the same manner that the trip pawl I34 is operated by the free end I39 of the trip lever pawl HE].

A tripping boss I4! is formed on a lower face or surface of the turntable, and is adapted to be engaged by the boss engaging lug I48 which ex tends upwardly from the trip pawl I34 The lug I48 .on' the trip pawl I34 may be moved into the pathof the tripping boss I41 by either theitrip lever pawl I I0 ofthe tone arm actuated-trip lever lacsgrss 15 LID Igor the; manuallyaope ablestartereiect bar-lit when the IbllttOl'li5QiiSfd8Pl'fiSS6d.

figure-9 shows the trippingboss. i ll very close .tothe boss-engagin'gilug; Miizbut it isdefinitely in -:apositionztopass said boss engaginglug M8, since "-thisiis substantially thenormal position of the .trippawlwhen thephonograph is inrplaying condition. When the trip pawl: I Mis moved counterzclockwise iby' the trip lever pawl tIihthe boss en- ;gag'ingdug Hi8 is-moved into the path :or the trip- ;pingtboss I tl; :Itis particularly pointed-outthat a asthe tone arm moves in response to the stylus :o-f: the piclr-uprdevicemoving in the'soundggroove of the' record, the itrip lever-pawl!litultiinately .aiirges ."the :trip pa'wlr [34in :a counterclockwise pireotion.

iIt WillillhBIBfOT-(i be seen that the only lateral pressure-required on the stylus point is sufficient pressure to :cause-the-tone arm movementto urge the tripipawl' in. 'a counterclockwise direction whereupon the tripping boss M'I'engages the lug :"lllfi on'the trippawl E34; When the trip'pawl .I3tsisso moved, the tripping boss It? (Figure 10), which is apart of the turntable and driven by the :motor, urges the trip pawl lug E3? in a.

counterclockwise direction untilthe trip pawl stud M9, which extends downwardly from the trip pawl I34, is urged against the cam surface Iiit. This-causes the main lever II to move in a clockwise direction until the cyclin cam stud l52, which is.-secured to the main lever I5! and extends upwardly therefrom, is urged into the openingbetween the ends of the cycling cam 61.

By the time the tripping boss I 4? is moved past the bossengaging lug I48 on the trip pawl I34, the mainlever 'I5I is-then rotated sufliciently to cause the cycling cam til, which moves in a clockwise direction, topick up the cycling cam stud I52; The tensionspring-Iiid has one end secured to the stud I42 which is fastened to the motor board, Wh'ue the other end of the spring I53 is secured to the pin Hi l on the main lever I 5 I The spring 553 constantly urges the main lever I5! in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot stud 37. Consequently, after the cycling cam pin I52 'is picked up by the cycling cam 61, the influence of spring I53 maintains the cycling cam pin I52 against the inner camming surface of the cycling 'camlB'I throughout the remainder of the rotating ofthe cycling cam until the opposite end of the cycling cam is reached by the cycling cam pin I52. At this time, the main lever l5I- is restored to-normal under influence of the spring 153 and is urged in a counterclockwise-direction until it engages .thelimiting means 36 which issecured to themotor board 43 by:the. .stud. 35

.As the mainlever .I.5I .ismoving through its -cycleunder influence of the cycling cam 67, the trlppawl resetting shoulder I55 (FigurelZ) engages the upper portion or" the trip pawl lug l3? as is shown in Figure 11. The clockwise move- "ment of the main lever I5I likewise causes clockwise movement of the trip pawl I35 until the trip :pawl is'restored to a norma1positlonsubstantially 'as in Figure '9.

The main lever I5I has an actuating or star wheel engaging finger I56 (Figures 2 and 9) which extends downwardly through a slot I5? in the motor board to contact the star wheel'lg at-the appropriatetime in the cycle, The main lever star engaging finger I56 may be seen in a side view in Figure 2. In Figure 12, the'star engaging finger I56 :isseen engaging one prong. I 58-zof1the star-wheellii. Assoon asthestar engaging finger 'movesglintoi the-path .of-aone of :the prongof the :Sta1'*Wheel t3, and: engages said :finger I56, said ffinger immediately causes-the star wheel to become stationary whilethe turntablecontinues to rotate.

The prong I58 of the'star-wheel I3 engages the finger I56, and the main lever I5I continues-t0 rotate clockwise, and then reverses its direction and rotates counterclockwise, since it; is part of the main lever I5I, while the prong I58 slides onthe finger I56until said finger ISG-moves outwardly past theprong I58, at'which time the starwheel I3 is released. One of theprongs I58 of the star wheel 53 engages the finger I56 for aperiod of time sufilciently long to permit the full 360 degrees rotation of' the; planetary pinions IBabout' the main orpplanetgear II, which gear is connected tothesa-meshaft as thestar'wheel 13, as has been.previouslyexplained.

Referring now to Figure 11A, it willbe noted that the tone arm elevating lever I05 may be provided with dash pot control meanawhereby the tone arm may be lowered smoothly-and slowly in certain instances, where desirable. To this end, the tone arm elevating lever I05 isprovided with a suitable extension orcontrol arm I6I, which may be suitably riveted or otherwise secured thereto as indicated, and extends substantially as a continuation of the lever forzpivotal connectionwith anoperatingrod I62 ofaidash pot I63.

The dash pot maybe mounted'adjac'entto the tone arm elevating lever by any suitablemeans, such as an integral bracket I64, and isprovided with the usual dash pot plunger I65, connected with the operating rod I62. The arrangement is'such that, as the tone arm is elevated, movement of the elevating lever is substantially unimpeded, whereas, upon lowering, the dash pot is arranged to providea braking effect and to permit the tone arm to be lowered smoothly and at a predetermined-rate into the playing position with the stylus engaging the record.

Likewise, the actuating or star engaging finger I56 may be utilized to actuateany'desired switch means during the playing orthe cylingintervals or both by placing the operating element thereof in the path of movement of the finger. By way of example a switch I59 is shown in such an arrangement and may be used for muting the pick-up output or for any other purpose. It is shown in the open position with the finger I56 retracted for the playing operation and is closed when thefingermoves to contact the starwheel during the changing cycle.

The operation of the, mechanism, briefly, is, as follows: Records: are placed, on the, separator shelves .5! protruding. from either side of the turntable center post 56 asshown, 'for example, in Figures 1 and '2. The operating motor is energized by any. suitable alternating-current source, and the start-reject button 59is depressed, causing the start-reject slide M6 to move inwardly, engaging the trip lever pawl I 37 and causing it to move into the tripping position. As the turntablerotates, the tripping boss I4l,extending-fromthe underside of the turntable, contacts theendof the trippawl I48.

The-tone arm then rises-as-theturntablecontinues to rotate. This-is caused by:therfact that the turntable carries the trip pawl; I Ail-along; for a short-distance, whereuponthe tripnawlmin or; stud; I 49. applies .forceagainst themain lever litin, opposition to tensionspring; I53. This force, continuesto; be: applied until theistud 1 I52 17 on the lever I5! has'been forced through the slot and into the cycling cam 67.

The end I55 of themain or director lever I5I extending below the motor board 43 moves away, allowing theswitch I59 to close. At the same time, the stud 38 pushes the tone arm elevating lever I55, which in turn raises the tone arm through pressure exerted by contact with the tone arm elevating pin I04.

The tone arm then moves outwardly, away from the record, for the reason that the end I I8 of the main lever I 5| contacts the stud M5 on the trip lever IIlI, starting the tone arm on its outward movement. The stud II5 on the trip lever contacts the tone arm return lever II'I, pushing it outwardly against the tension of spring I22. As the tone arm reaches its outermost posi-,

tion, it is locked in position by the latch I21 clamping the stud H5 on the end of the trip lever.

During the foregoing operation, the separator knives 58 separate the lower record from the stack and allow the record to drop to the turntable. This is for the reason that, while the tone arm is moving outwardly, the end I56 of the main lever I5I extending below the motor board 43 contacts and prevents the star wheel l3 from rotating.

The turntable continues to rotate and the star wheel I3 and gear shaft I remain stationary. The two small planetary pinions It, mounted in the upper end of the center post, rotate around the planet gear II on the upper end of the star wheel or gear shaft, I0. i

The eccentric or cam portions 84, extending from the upper ends of the two planetary pinions I8, revolve in slots in the supporting shelves 51. This produces the necessary action to cause the shelves to move in against the tension of the compressional spring 89. As the record supporting shelves recede within the confines of the center-post housing, the record separator knives 58, mounted above each record supporting shelf, separate the lower record of the stack and support the remaining stack while the lower record drops to the turntable.

The tone arm then moves in for landing in the outer groove of the record. This action is efiected by reason of the fact that, as the main lever I5I continues to move toward the out of cycle position, the end I I8 of the main lever retains contact with the stud II5 on the trip lever IIII. This contact stabilizes the inward movement of the tone arm 42, whichis being pushed in by the tone arm return lever I H. The inward movement of the tone arm is stopped directly above the landing position, due to the stud I24 on the tone arm return lever coming in contact with the landing lever eccentric stud I26. The tone arm lowers the stylus to the record when the stud 38 on the main lever I5I continues to contact the tone arm elevating lever I55, and lowers the stylus onto the starting groove of the record. As the turntable completes one revolution, the stud I52 on the main lever is pulled through a slot in the cycling cam 51 by the force produced bythe tension spring I53.

While the stud I52 on the main lever slides through the slot in the cam 51 and assumes the out-of-cycle position, the end of the main lever I5I contacts the projection I32 and unlatches the pawl I21 on the tone arm return lever I I1. The end I56 of the main lever'below the motor opens the muting switch I59.

The record then plays, that is, the transducer or pick-up device is actuated by the recording in the record grooves and the signal therefrom is applied to the output connections (not shown) as provided therefor. When the stylus has engaged the last groove and enters the tripping groove, completing the playing of the selection, the trip lever iill carries the trip lever pawl Hi] into position for engagement with the lug I58 on the trip paw-l I35 which engages the tripping boss Ml on the under side of the turntable 53. This contact between the tripping boss or stud I41 and the trip lever pawl I34 starts another change cycle, and the next record is moved into position for playing as hereinbefore described.

Summarizing the various factors and advantages of the record changer mechanism of the present invention, it will be seen that two oppositely positioned and inwardly retractable shelves are located in the turntable spindle. In direct association are two outwardly rotatable blades or knives spaced at a definite distance above the shelves. The design is such that the shelves normally extend beyond the periphery of the spindle, and with the blades or knives are normally housed within the periphery of the spindle. The cycling operation causes the blades to rotate out beyond the outside diameter of the spindle just before the shelves are retracted to within that diameter. To complete the cycle, the shelves move back to their normal extended position just before the blades are rotated back to their normal retracted position.

The center area of the record about the center hole is depressed on either side of the record, so that when two records are stacked together an air space is provided between them, that is, the dimensions of the depressed area and the spacing between the record changer shelf and blade are such as to bring the center of the blade in line with the center of the air space provided between the records. This design offers a distinct advantage in that the records are not knived or otherwise separated, or even touched by the blade during the selecting operation.

The aforementioned shelves are held outwardly by a spring and their lower portion is shaped so as to be contained within the body of the spin dle. This design causes the shelves to be cammed inwardly when the records are removed from the turntable. The large diameter spindle and record center hole result in easy loading of the changer, and the retractable shelves result in easy unloading.

The pick-up unit, tone arm and tripping mechanism are designed to be consistent with the requirements of the record. Of particular importance is the tripping mechanism, as the power required to put the record changer into cycle does not require any force between the reproducing stylus and the record groove. The design is such that a small substantially frictionless lever is moved by the inward motion of the tone arm to a specific position where a lug on the turntable picks up the small lever and causes it to cam the mechanism into cycle. The record changer mechanism is of unit design, thus permitting the same unit to be used in substantially all styles and types of cabinets.

I claim as my invention:

1. An automatic phonograph record playing mechanism comprising a rotary turntable, a center post of relatively large diameter with respect to and rotatable with said turntable, said center post being adapted to support individual and stacks records above said turntable and to release said records for. individual sequential positioning on said turntable, a pivotally mounted tone arm, a transducer device carried thereby having a stylus element adapted to engage and follow a record groove, and a cyclic record changing and tone arm positioning mechanism including complementary rotary blade and retractable shelf means carried by said center post for supporting and separating said records, and combined planetary gear and eccentric cam means interconnecting said blade and shelf means and disposed within said center post for jointly operating said record supporting and separating means.

2. An automatic phonograph record playing mechanism comprising a rotary turntable, a center post of relatively large diameter with respect to and rotatable with said turntable, said center post being adapted to support individual and stacked records above said turntable andto release said records for individual sequently positioning on said turntable, a pivotally mounted tone arm, a transducer device carried thereby having a stylus element adapted to engage and follow a record groove, and a cyclic record changing and tone arm positioning mechanism including complementary rotary blade and retractable shelf means carried by said center post for supporting and separating said records, combined planetary gear and eccentric cam means interconnecting said blade and shelf means and disposed within said center post for jointly operating said record supporting and separating means, means including a star wheel and shaft connected to said planetary gear and cam means operable for driving said planetary gear and cam means in timed relation to'movement of said tone arm, and means including a cam carried by the turntable and a follower element controlled by movement of said tone arm for initiating and powering operation of a record chan ing cycle.

3. An automatic phonograph record changer mechanism comprising in combination, a rotary turntable having a center post of relatively large diameter with respect to and rotatable with said turntable, a pair of rotary flat blades pivotally mounted to rotate from a position within to a position extending outwardly from said center post, a pair of record supporting shelves retractable from a position extending outwardly of to a position within said center post, said shelves having cam portions for facilitating the removal of records from said center post, planet gear means within said center post having a control shaft extending substantially axially thereof, and planetary pinions rotatable about said planet gear means within the center post and having said blades eccentrically mounted thereon and interconnecting said shelves for simultaneously actuating said rotary blades and record supporting shelves in unison and in predetermined sequence and relation during a record changing cycle.

4. An automatic phonograph record changer mechanism comprising in combination, a rotary turntable having a center post of relatively large diameter with respect to and rotatable with said turntable, a pair of rotary flat blades pivotally mounted to rotate from a position within to a position extending outwardly from said center post, a pair of record supporting shelves retract able from a position extending outwardly of to a position within said center post, said shelves having cam portions for facilitating the removal of records from said centerpost, planet gear means within saidv center post having a control shaft extending substantially axially thereof, a tone arm device for said mechanism, means responsive to movement of said tone arm for stopping said control shaft during a record changing cycle and for permitting said shaft to rotate with the turntable during a record playing interval, and planetary pinions having said blades mount ed thereon and connecting said shelves and being rotatable about saidplanet gear means within the center post for simultaneously actuating said rotary blades. and record supporting shelves in unison and in predetermined sequence and relation during a record changing cycle.

5. An automatic phonograph record changer mechanism comprising in combination, a rotary turntable having a center post of realtively large diameter with respect to and rotatable with said turntable, a pair of diametrically oppositely disposed rotary flat blades pivotally mounted to rotatc from a position within to a position extending outwardly from said center post in a common plane substantially normal to the. axis of rotation of the turntable, a pair of record supporting shelves disposed below said plates and retractable from a position extending outwardly of to a position within said center post, said shelves having cam portions below the record. supporting portions thereof for facilitating the removal of records from. said center post, planet gear means within said center post having a control shaft extending substantially axially thereof below the turntable, a tone arm device for said mechanism, means responsive to movement of said tone arm in a predetermined region for stopping said control shaft during a record changing cycle and for permitting said shaft to rotate with the turntable during a record playing interval, and planetary pinions rotatable about said planet gear means within the center post having eccentric cam portions thereon connected with said blades and opertaively associated with said shelves for simultaneously actuating said rotary blades and record supporting shelves. in unison and in predetermined sequence and relation during a record changing cycle.

6. In an automatic phonograph record changer, the combination with a rotary turntable, of a center post rotatable with and on said turntable, said center postv being of relatively large diameter and adapted to support a plurality of small diameter fiat-disc records having complementary relatively large center openings with respect to said turntable for individual sequential release and positioning thereon, a tone arm having a transducer device and stylus means therefor adapted to follow a record groove, and a cyclic record changing and tone arm positioning mechanism, said mechanism including means carried by and within said center post for supporting and separating said records, planetary gear and cam means disposed within said center post and interconnecting said supporting and separating means for simultaneously operating said record supporting and separating means, and operating and control means connected to said planetary gear and cam means and operable externally of said center post for causing said planetary gear and cam means to be driven in timed relation to movement of said tone arm during a record changing cycle.

7. An automatic phonograph record changer as defined in claim 6, wherein said operating and control means includes a cycling cam carried by said turntable, a main lever having pin means engageable with said cycling cam to cause said main lever to operate through a record changing cycle, means responsive to movement of said main lever to cause the transducer device and said tone arm to be removed from one record and deposited at the landing position of a succeeding record, a tripping lug carried by said turntable, a trip pawl engageable with said tripping lug for initially causing movement of said main lever and engagement of pin means with said cycling cam, and means carried by said tone arm for urging said trip pawl into the path of said tripping lug to initiate said record changing cycle, whereby a cycling operation is effected without the application of any appreciable force to the stylus means of the transducer device.

8. Automatic phonograph record playing mechanism for slow-speed records of the flat-disc type comprising in combination, a rotary turn tableelement having a central record storage spindle extending axially from one face thereof, said spindle having a diameter relatively large with respect to the diameter of said turntable element and providing a housing, record separator means comprising radially retractable blade elements and radially retractable shelf elements mounted within said housing, means for operating said record separator means including a central shaft concentric within said spindle, said shaft being rotatably associated with said record separator means and operable upon being held stationary with respect to said spindle to cam said record separator means through a change cycle operation, and shaft stopping means upon limited engagement with said shaft effecting operation of said separator means during a limited rotational movement of said turntable substantially not greater than one revolution of said turntable.

9. An automatic phonograph record mechanism comprising in combination, a rotary turntable having a center post of relatively large diameter with respect to and rotatable with said turntable, a pair of flat blades mounted to move from a position within to a position extending outwardly from said center post, a pair of record supporting shelves retractable in complementary relation to movement of said blades from a position extending outwardly of to a position within said center post, said shelves having cam portions for facilitating the removal of records from said center post, a rotatable control shaft within the center post extending substantially axially thereof, a tone arm for stopping rotation of said control shaft during a record changing cycle and for permitting said shaft to rotate with the turntable during a record playing interval, and means within the center post operatively connecting said control shaft with said blades and shelves to move said blades and shelves in complementary relation to feed records from the post to the turntable in response to stopping of said control shaft.

10. Automatic phonograph record playing mechanism for slow speed records of the flat disc type comprising in combination, a rotary turntable, a center post of relatively large diameter with respect to and rotatable with the turntable, said center post providing a housing and being adapted to support individual and stacked records above the turntable and to release said records for individual and sequential positioning on 'said turntable, a pivotally mounted tone arm, a

transducer device carried by said tone arm having a stylus element adapted to engage and follow a record groove, a cyclic record changing and tone arm positioning mechanism including complementary retractable blade and shelf means carried by said center post for supporting and releasing said records, rotatable shaft means in said housing connected with said blade and shelf means for effecting operation thereof upon relative movement of said turntable and shaft means, tripping means for said mechanism responsive to termination of a playing operation of a record for initiating a record change cycle, and means connected with said mechanism for stopping rotation' of said shaft means during said record change cycle.

11. Automatic phonograph record playing mechanism for slow-speed records of the fiat-disc type comprising in combination, a rotary turntable element having a central record storage spindle extending axially from one face thereof, said spindle having a diameter relatively large with respect to the diameter of said turntable element and providing a housing, record separator means comprising retractable blade elements and radially retractable shelf elements mounted within the housing of the turntable spindle, cam means for effecting operation of said record separator means during a limited rotational movement of said turntable substantially not greater than one revolution, cam engaging means operable in response to a tripping operation of said mechanism upon completion of a record playing interval to engage said cam means during said limited rotational movement of said turntable and effectuate operation of said record separator means by said cam means, said cam means comprising a circular cam element carried by the turntable providing a cam surface rotatable about the axis of said turntable, said cam engaging means including a main lever, a cam follower element carried by said main lever for engaging said cam element in response to a tripping operation of said mechanism upon completion of a record playing interval, a planet gear in the record storage spindle having a shaft extending axially thereof and being rotatable with said spindle, means including a finger carried by said main lever for stopping rotation of said shaft and planet gear, and a pair of planetary pinions carried by said spindle, and eccentric cam means having said blade elements mounted thereon and operated thereby for rotating said blade elements and moving said shelf elements in unison in predetermined relation for effecting a record changing operation.

12. Automatic phonograph record playing mechanism for slow-speed records of the fiat-disc type comprising in combination, a rotary turntable element having a central record storage spindle extending axially from one face thereof; said spindle having a diameter relatively large with respect to the diameter of said turntable element and providing a housing, record separator means comprising retractable blade elements and radially retractable shelf elements mounted within the housing of the turntable spindle, cam means for effecting operation of said record separator means during a limited rotation movement of said turntable substantially not. greater than one revolution, cam engaging means operable in response to a tripping operation of said mechanism upon completion of a record playing interval to engage said cam means during said limited rotational movement of said turntable and effectuate operation of said record separator means :by said cam means, a pair of planetary pinions, eccentric cam elements operatively connected with said blade and shelf elements, and a planet gear element operatively connected with said pinions the rotation of which is controlled .in accordance with differing conditions of operation of said mechanism, said cam means including a cam element rotatable with and about the axis of the turntable, a cam follower element therefor, and means actuated by said cam follower element for imparting a force to said planet gear element.

13. Automatic phonograph record playing mechanism for slow-speed records of the flatdisc type comprising in combination, a rotary turntable element having a central record storage spindle extending axially from one face thereof, said spindle having a diameter relatively large with respect to the dimeter of said turntable element and providing a housing, record separator means comprising retractable blade elements and radially retractable shelf elements mounted within the housing of the turntable spindle, cam means for effecting operation of said record separator means during a limited rotational movement of said turntable substantially not greater than one revolution, cam engaging means operable in response to a tripping operation of said mechanism upon completion of a record playing interval to engage said cam means during said limited rotational movement of said turnable and effectuate operation of said record separator means by said cam means, a pair of planetary pinions, eccentric cam elements operatively connected with said blade and shelf elements, and a planet gear element operatively associated with said pinions, the rotation of which is controlled in accordance with differing conditions of operation of said mechanism.

14. Automatic phonograph record playing mechanism for slow-speed records of the flatdisc type comprising in combination, a rotary turntable element having a central record storage spindle extending axially from one face thereof, said spindle having a diameter relatively large with respect to the diameter of said turntable element and providing a housing, record separator means comprising retractable blade elements and radially retractable shelf elements mounted within the housing of the turntable spindle, a pair of planetary pinions, eccentric cam elements operatively connected with said blade and shelf elements, a planet gear element operatively associated with said pinions, the rotation of which is controlled in accordance with differing conditions of operation of said mechanism, cam means for effecting operation of said record separator means during a limited rotational movement of said turntable substantially not greater than one revolution, cam engaging means operable in response to a tripping operation of said mechanism upon completion of a record playing interval to engage said cam means during said limited rotational movement of said turntable and effectuate operation of said record separator means by said cam means, said blade elements being adapted to enter an air space between adjacent pairs of stacked records on said spindle at the bottom of a stack thereof, and said shelf elements being provided with cam surfaces on one side thereof for actuation by movement of a record when moved in one direction along said spindle.

BENJAIVIIN R. CARSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,438,000 Underhill Dec, 5, 1922 1,568,130 Blackwell Jan. 5, 1926 2,280,685 Carson Apr. 21, 1942 2,394,539 Erwood et al. Feb. 12, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 551,388 Great Britain -1 Feb. 19, l9 l3 

